Former Jamaica College 2011 triple champion in the Manning Cup, Olivia Shield and Walker Cup football competition, Andre Messam is now a scholarship athlete at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The first year student athlete is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Public Sector Management and is also learning the art of balancing the ball and the books.

Messam found his love for the sport at the age of 8 and ever since has had big dreams of going very far in his discipline. The very humble athlete was inspired by his father Gregory Messam, a renowned sportsman in the local football arena.  His father has always been his greatest supporter. The left back who also won the intercollegiate title as a starting player for the UWI Mona Pelicans in his first year, has captured the attention of many and has been praised for his superb ball handling and control of his side of the playing field. Messam, who has always been known for his corner kicks, is always called upon to take on such challenge.  Messam, a man of very few words is laid back and easy to deal with because he takes instructions and carries them out properly. His passion for the sport is also a factor for him being a success. He is one of those athletes who try his best not to be absent or late for a training session and at all cost takes it seriously.

During the journey to being crowned triple champion for Jamaica College, Messam was awarded for his discipline in sports and outstanding academic performance. The athlete sees himself in the future playing at the international level, as he wants to display his talent worldwide where his name will always be remembered in the sporting arena. In keeping his dream of becoming an international super star alive, Messam emulates football gods such as Dani Alves who plays right back, Lionel Messi centre forward and midfield who both play for Barcelona in the Club league as well as Christiano Ranoldo who plays for Real Madrid as a forward. This helps to keep him motivated because his role models are a constant reminder and motivation of where he wants to be and what he can achieve.

Like any athlete, the left back detest days when he is not at his best on the field which would result in him doing a self evaluation as to better his next game. Football for him is more than just a sport; it teaches you maturity and is a constant reminder that there is no ‘I’ in team; it teaches selflessness and teamwork. It hones certain characteristics that are intricate to life in general. He also noted that football is a vehicle that can provide many opportunities.

Messam like many had dreams to play ball at an overseas university. He had all hopes of playing for a top team in an American university. But as the Jamaican saying goes “when man a plan God a wipe,” his plan did not work out as he wanted it to so he ended up having to stay in the island. Being somewhat crushed by that unfortunate event Messam did not allow himself to get down enough so as not to be able to rise again. He quickly found a new solution. He decided to participate in his local University’s scholarship tryouts; he was successful UWI football festival and awarded a full scholarship. The footballer after one semester found that it was fitting for him to have stayed and currently has no regrets about not leaving the island. Messam has found a home being welcomed into the UWI family.